BRITAIN'S FIRST SPORTSMAN
H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Knight of the Garter, Knight of the Thistle, Earl of Merioneth, Baron Greenwich, Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshal, Marshal of the R.A.F. and "First-Gentleman," is Britain's First Sportsman as well. The role requires him to show devotion to the traditional games of cricket and polo, give his countrymen a sturdy example in other body-building sports, and take a front seat at such sports spectacles as the Empire Games at Vancouver last week. Happily for Philip, there are few royal duties he enjoys more. Since the day he could first draw a bowstring, the 33-year-old Duke has been an enthusiastic sportsman and has proved a fine performer at polo, cricket, high jumping, rowing and sailing. The First Sportsman carries his title well.
AT 14, WHEN HE WAS STUDENT AT SCOTTISH PREP SCHOOL, GORDONSTOUN, PHILIP KEPT HIS SPIKES CLEAN FOR HIGH JUMPING
At eight (center) he tried archery while attending an American school at St. Cloud, France.
Flying represents both sport and duty for Philip as a marshal of R.A.F.
Favorite sport is polo, which he plays at privately owned Cowdray Park in Sussex. For a small admission fee, admiring fellow Britons can watch him play.
Sure-Fingered fielder in cricket, Philip (left) races for ball blocked by the batsman in a charity match between the Duke of Edinburgh's XI and Hampshire at Bournemouth. Cricket experts such as Sir Donald Bradman (cricket's Babe Ruth) have praised Philip's off-spin bowling, a slider with a bounce.
He sails his own "Flying 15," Coweslip. His companion is sailboat designer Uffa Fox.
Officers' stroke, Duke led crew of the frigate Magpie to victory in a regatta held at Marmaris, Turkey during a cruise of Mediterranean fleet.
PHOTO
INTERNATIONAL
PHOTO
UNITED PRESS
TWO PHOTOS
KEYSTONE PRESS
PHOTO
TOPICAL PRESS
PHOTO
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHOTO
PIX